Pakistan and Afghanistan: a comparison of military capabilities
Cross-border fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan intensified overnight, with each side reporting heavy losses. Pakistan’s defense minister stated that his country is in an “open war” with its neighbor.
The following overview highlights Pakistan’s superiority over Afghanistan in terms of military strength and arsenals, according to data from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London.
Pakistan’s armed forces benefit from strong recruitment and retention, supported by equipment supplied by China, Islamabad’s principal defense partner. Pakistan continues to invest in its military nuclear programs and is also working to modernize its naval fleet and air force.
By contrast, the capabilities of Afghanistan’s Taliban-controlled armed forces have declined, as has their ability to effectively operate the foreign equipment seized when the movement returned to power in 2021.
The lack of international recognition of the Taliban government has negatively affected military modernization.
Personnel
Pakistan’s defense forces number approximately 660,000 active personnel, including 560,000 in the army, 70,000 in the air force, and 30,000 in the navy.
The Taliban’s Afghan army is significantly smaller, with about 172,000 active personnel. However, the movement has announced plans to expand its armed forces to 200,000 members.
Combat vehicles and artillery
Pakistan possesses more than 6,000 armored combat vehicles and over 4,600 artillery pieces.
Afghan forces also have armored combat vehicles, including Soviet-era main battle tanks, armored personnel carriers, and amphibious vehicles. However, their exact number is unknown.
Similarly, the precise number of artillery systems in Afghan service, which include at least three different types, is not clearly established.
Air forces
Pakistan fields a fleet of 465 combat aircraft and more than 260 helicopters, including multi-role, attack, and transport models.
Afghanistan has no fighter jets and no significant air force. It is known to possess at least six aircraft, some dating back to the Soviet era, as well as 23 helicopters, though the number of airworthy units cannot be reliably assessed.
Nuclear arsenal
Pakistan possesses nuclear weapons and is estimated to have around 170 nuclear warheads, while Afghanistan does not have a nuclear arsenal.
